The sandyback stingaree (Urolophus bucculentus) is also known as the sandy-backed stingaree and the great stingaree. Found in the continental shelf and the uppermost slope, they are endemic to southeastern Australia. Reaching a total length (TL) of about 80 cm, they seem to be slow growers compared to other urolophid species. Observed at 100 to 230 metres deep, they love warm temperate waters. But even down that deep, they are taken as bycatch in trawl fisheries off Australia. The problem with this? Not only does it not seem to be utilized (such as food) and often thrown away, but the urolophids have a high rate of abortion when caught and handled. Not good at all! They enjoy munching on crustaceans and give birth to about five (5) pups every other year after a 14-19 month gestation period. Momma sandyback stingarees supply their unborn pups with histotroph ("uterine milk"). IUCN has assessed these animals as Vulnerable (VU). INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE? SO ARE WE!GLOSSARY
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AuthorTFUI Founder Melissa C. Marquez is author of all animal bios and "Behind the Fins" segments. SEE MELISSA'S TEDx TALK HERE:
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